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Cadwell Park Race Report

As mentioned in the last update it was 1997 since the car turned a wheel in competitive racing and it was also back in 1997 since Swansea Metropolitan University entered a major season-long championship.

Excitement and nerves were abundant as the team woke on the Sunday morning to heavy rain. This made morning preparations slightly more difficult but the team battled through the weather to be able to present the car to the scrutineers.

One of the most anxious moments of the day for any competitor is scrutineering, where the cars are checked to make sure they comply with all the rules and regulations. The team were pleased when the car passed with no problems

In this competitive but friendly championship the most important element of the weekend is qualifying, which is of paramount importance especially at Cadwell, due to its very tight and narrow nature.

Qualifying showed potential in both driver and car as Tim’s lap times were improving greatly lap after lap. With a red flag three quarters of the way into the session, all cars remaining returned to the pit lane and this was a chance for Chief Engineer Harley Gasson to speak with Tim about the performance of the car. Despite braking issues, the car was able to rejoin the circuit for a two lap dash to the end of the session to set a final time for the all important grid positions. A highly respectable 12th place and top newcomer was a great achievement, with the eyes now set on the race that afternoon.

With only a few changes and checks the team anxiously looked on as the car made its way to the holding area before the race. Races before the Formula 4 class had shown how tough Cadwell Park is with numerous cars coming back to the paddock with mechanical and cosmetic damage.

Just after 3pm the cars rolled onto the circuit for the formation lap. Off the start line Tim’s Sprint and Hillclimb experience put him in good stead and in the first few laps he made his way to 10th position. All looked to be running smoothly as Tim settled down and ran at a consistent pace, until sadly on lap eight the car suffered a suspension failure, whereby the rear lower wishbone bracket had failed. This is a notorious weak-spot on the car, which will be further addressed before the next race. This brought the weekend to a premature halt with only 6 minutes left of the race.

Luckily Tim was ok and the damage is certainly fixable for the next round. The team were disappointed but also positive as they have gained experience of how punishing circuits are to cars and that greater reliability will be needed for next time.

Chief Engineer Harley Gasson adds his views on the race:

"“Although we didn’t get the result we all would’ve liked, we certainly had a good weekend and we now have a better idea of what to expect in the future. Our car struggled for grip at Cadwell, which we believe is primarily due to tyres; an issue we are working on. Cadwell is an extremely demanding circuit from both driver and car, especially considering it was the first time for both. We have to now look forward to the next race at Mallory Park on the 12th June, where we will have an improved car.”

Head of Management and Operations, Ben Buesnel reflects upon the first race meeting.

"It was very disappointing to see the car retire from the race over such a small issue but there are positives to draw from the expedition. It was a great team bonding exercise with the team now knowing their roles and how the event format is run. The team had four goals before the weekend and they were to get to the race meeting both mechanically and financially, pass scrutineering, qualify for the race and then complete it. Although the fourth goal could not be achieved a lot was learnt about the car and being able to meet with officials gained vital experience for us as students and provided if anything a useful test for car, team and driver. Most importantly the car did not disgrace itself in the paddock and Tim gained valuable track time. We now head to Mallory Park, a circuit we know with the hope of claiming that illusive fourth goal and complete a race from lights to flag.”